The death toll from a devastating fire at a popular live music pub in Bangkok has risen to 32 after two more victims succumbed to their injuries, officials said on Wednesday (15th July). Police are investigating possible negligence, including whether emergency exits were obstructed, as the government pledges stricter oversight of entertainment venues, according to Al Jazeera.
The blaze, one of the deadliest in recent years in Thailand, tore through the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in the city’s northern Chatuchak area close to midnight on Sunday (12th July). Witnesses described an explosion, a horizontal burst of fire, and smoke engulfing the single-storey venue, according to Reuters. The pub, located at a busy intersection next to train stations and two shopping malls, is one of a cluster of similar bars often crowded on weekend nights. It serves food and drinks and offers live music and televised sports.
Experts believe combustible material used to decorate the stage for acoustic purposes ignited instantly, producing extreme heat, smoke, and toxins that trapped and choked patrons inside the single-storey structure, which offered limited escape options once the blaze took hold.
The Erawan Emergency Medical Centre said 30 people were still being treated in hospitals in the city, with 15 of those in intensive care units. A total of 44 people have been discharged, according to Jazeera. Health authorities continue to monitor patients in intensive care, where smoke inhalation remains a primary concern, and medical teams are providing specialised treatment for burns and respiratory issues caused by the toxic smoke.
Authorities believe the fire was probably sparked by an electrical short circuit in a ceiling air conditioner, according to Reuters. Police are investigating the possibility of negligence and whether emergency exits were obstructed. They have interviewed witnesses and are examining CCTV footage, building plans, and maintenance records, with questions remaining about the exact layout of exits and whether decorative elements or furnishings contributed to the rapid spread of flames and smoke. The pub had undergone an inspection in April, and its licence has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The government has vowed to tighten regulations over entertainment venues, including random inspections to ensure fire exits are unobstructed and that venues are safe, according to Reuters. Officials have announced plans for nationwide inspections and potential updates to building codes specifically for pubs and bars, aiming to balance public safety with support for small businesses that form the backbone of Bangkok’s nightlife.
The use of flammable materials and decorative items, crowded conditions, and unusable emergency exits in Thai establishments have been flagged before, including after a fire at another Bangkok nightclub in 2009 that killed at least 65, according to Reuters. That earlier disaster, the Santika nightclub fire, led to temporary reforms, but campaigners argue enforcement has been inconsistent. Experts warn that without sustained oversight, including regular checks on electrical systems and interior materials, such tragedies could recur.
Families of the victims are seeking answers as mourning continues. Support services, including psychological counselling for survivors and relatives, have been mobilised to assist those affected, according to the BBC. The community around Chatuchak has coordinated aid for those impacted, and the incident has sparked wider discussion online and in the media about fire safety awareness among both operators and customers.
As investigations proceed, Thai authorities face pressure to translate promises of reform into tangible improvements that prevent future loss of life, according to the BBC.
About the Author
